written

If you only just barely remember your new year’s resolution, maybe now it is time to write it down.

new

Don’t reuse a new year’s resolution from a past year. The most important word is “new.”

two bags

You can take things with you into the new year or throw them away in the old year.

worker

Look at how much you have done in the last year.

the write year

Pick the best words for your new year’s resolution. Write it on paper. Use a magic pen.

draw the line

Abandon failed projects before the year is over so that you do not have to start a new year with an overhang of failure.

free and clear

Pay off debts before the year is over, if you have the money available, in order to start the new year with a blank slate.

trash-free

The only way to start the new year trash-free is to take out the trash before the old year ends.

year over year

Think of one way in which the way you do something is better than the way you did it last year. Find another way in which the way you do things could be better than the way you did them one year ago.

midyear

Give yourself one point if you can accurately state your new year’s resolution.

starter

A new year has started. Go!

say it, then do it

Tell several people about your new year’s resolution. If you keep a resolution secret, within weeks you’re likely to forget what it was.

clean and new

Prepare for the new year by cleaning. Wash all the dishes. Wash and dry the entire laundry pile. Wash your hair. Wipe the dust off your computer screen. Wash the door knobs. Clean the floors and wipe off your desk if time permits.

trial balance

Prepare a working approximation of the year-end accounting before the end of the year.

a line

Make room for something new by clearing away completed and abandoned projects that don’t belong in the new year.

writing one resolution

You are more likely to achieve a new year’s resolution if you have only one. It also helps to write it down.

5 days

It’s not too late to change your life around this year.

as expected

In September, journalists and analysts are already drafting summaries of the events of the year. These versions of events will have to be revised only if someone does something surprising.

old year’s resolutions

It is hard to start on this year’s changes if you are still waiting to see how last year’s will come out.

ring in the new

Today, eat something new or fresh if you can. Don’t settle for what is left behind from last year.